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Oswin Apolis’ late penalty denied South Africa to a 3-2 win Exceed Zimbabwe and enter the knockout stage African Cup of Nations.
South Africa equalized through Tshepang Moremi’s deflected goalkeeper Washington Arubi’s foot before Zimbabwe equalized when Tawanda Maswanhise skipped two defenders and fired the ball into the goal.
Lyle Foster restored the lead early in the second half with a header past the advancing Arubi, but after Rowan Williams saved Maswanshis’ shot, Aubrey Modiba put Zimbabwe level again when he converted the rebound into his own net.
But with seven minutes left in the game, when Nakamba was adjudged to have handballed in the penalty area, Apolis converted the penalty kick to help Zimbabwe score.
In another match in Group B, AngolaHopes of reaching the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations became in jeopardy after being held to a 0-0 draw by a team that had already advanced. Egypt In Agadir.
The Southern African side actually need a win to maintain any realistic prospects of progress, whether in second place or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Victory for South Africa means that Angola will not finish in the top two even if they win, but failure to beat the group winners means that with just two points, their best hope is now to finish as the third-placed team in fourth.
Egypt had already secured promotion after defeating South Africa and Zimbabwe in their previous two matches, so many players, including Mohamed Salah, who watched from the bench, were rested.
By finishing first in their group, they are now guaranteed to face the third-placed team in the round of 16 on January 5.